Statement

Embassy Statement on Le Quoc Quan

October 2, 2013

We are deeply concerned by the Vietnamese government’s conviction and sentencing of human rights lawyer and blogger Le Quoc Quan to 30 months in prison on tax evasion charges. The use of tax laws by Vietnamese authorities to imprison government critics for peacefully expressing their political views is disturbing.

This conviction appears to be inconsistent with the right to freedom of expression and Vietnam’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and commitments reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

We call on the government to release prisoners of conscience and allow all Vietnamese to peacefully express their political views.

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